Reyes Cleary plays for West Brom U23s despite contract expiring, scores ‘unstoppable’ goal
Reyes Cleary came off the bench to score for West Brom Under-23s in their pre-season friendly win away at Stratford Town on Saturday, 9 July.
As reported on Stratford’s official club website after the game, 18-year-old Cleary scored an “unstoppable” goal in the 53rd minute as Richard Beale’s Premier League Cup champions won 3-1 at the Arden Garages Stadium.
Cleary’s contract with the Baggies expired at the end of June – he’s even reported as being “without club” on transfermarkt.
However, there’s been no official confirmation about the young striker leaving The Hawthorns or penning fresh terms despite him strongly suggesting on Instagram in May that he’s leaving the Black Country club.
Lack of clarity
West Brom’s communication with fans has been dreadful over the years so it’s not a surprise to see confusion crop up over Cleary’s situation at The Hawthorns.
He has been strongly linked with a move away from the Baggies this summer due to the fact his contract expired in June and that he’s a top young talent.
On 8 March, the Daily Mail reported that Arsenal, Southampton, Newcastle United, Everton, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig are all among the clubs who’ve watched the young striker over the course of the last year.
West Brom did reportedly offer Cleary a new professional contract and even named him in the first team a few times last season to potentially help grease up talks over his future.
However, Cleary’s head was seemingly turned and he took to Instagram on 10 May to say “what a journey it’s been” while stood outside Albion’s training ground.
He even said “thank you for everything”, further suggesting he was done at the Championship club.
Has Cleary agreed a new deal? Or are Albion offering him the chance to continue training with the club until he finds himself a new home?
Either way, it’d be nice to hear some kind of clarification.
In other West Brom news, a former Albion star is training at the club’s training ground as he looks to find a new club.
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